Google Enhances In-Car App Experience with Redesigned Play Store and New Features

Image: Google · Source

Google updates apps in cars with Google built-in, introducing a redesigned Google Play store, new entertainment apps, and a parked-to-drive feature that lets users continue audio playback after shifting into drive.

Google is rolling out significant updates to the app experience in vehicles equipped with Google built-in software, aiming to make dashboards more user-friendly and versatile. The key improvement is a redesigned Google Play store designed to adapt dynamically to the unique shape, size, and orientation of each car’s display, allowing easier browsing and faster app downloads directly from the dashboard.

This new Google Play interface features prominently displayed apps, highlights new additions, and provides helpful information upfront. Navigation through the store is streamlined with curated collections tailored for both driving and parked scenarios, helping users quickly find and compare apps across audio, video, gaming, and other categories.

Along with the interface refresh, Google has introduced several new entertainment apps, including STARZ, Firefox browser, Ludo King, and JioHotstar, expanding the range of activities available while the vehicle is parked. A standout feature debuting with these updates is the ability to begin watching videos on the dashboard when parked and seamlessly continue listening to the audio after shifting into drive, starting with YouTube. This transition maintains entertainment without interruption, enhancing user convenience during trips.

These enhancements are part of ongoing collaborations with automakers such as Mazda, Honda, Polestar, BYD, and Volvo, as well as with media providers like Audible, Pandora, SiriusXM, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Gaana, and The Post. New GM vehicles, including the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 models, will benefit from these updates, which will begin automatically rolling out to vehicles’ in-car systems over the coming weeks.

Available across over 100 models from 16 brands, cars with Google built-in already offer access to popular apps like Google Maps and Google's Gemini, no phone needed. With this update, the in-car experience becomes more intuitive and enjoyable, whether for everyday commutes, charging stops, or longer journeys.